Businesses in Coventry have welcomed the prospect of much tougher controls to curb the damaging impact of roadworks.

A bill to introduce new law to govern the way utility companies and building firms dig up the roads was part of the Queen's speech.

It could see the introduction of strict start and end dates for roadwork schemes, along with tougher fines for those who broke the deadlines.

Local traffic managers could also be brought in to monitor and enforce the new laws.

Annette Fitzgerald, head of policy at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said the proposed Traffic Management Bill would be welcomed by business. A Chamber poll of its membership showed a sizeable majority in favour of the scheme.

She said: "Tighter control of one of the biggest contributing factors to road congestion would be most welcome.

"Roadworks add an unpredictable factor to journeys, making times less reliable and resulting in added cost to business.

"The legislation could bring traffic planners and local authorities together - matters should be better managed at the planning stage for any new development.

"Although short-term, there could be costs passed on to the consumer. Long-term this could bring a change in culture that would eventually bring costs down.

"We do envisage some problems that would need to be ironed out, such as a possible increase in red tape and bureaucracy. Loopholes could also emerge over emergency repairs."